Goal.com's NPFL Team of the First Round

Goal Nigeria takes a look back over the first round of the NPFL and picks out the players that have made the biggest impact as we get set to commence the second round of the league

The second round of the Nigeria Professional Football League is set to commence. Many players did well for their clubs in the first round and showed true character in helping their clubs excel.

Goal has identified the players that will go ahead to make further marks in the second round of the season.

Here we present our Team of the First Round of the NPFL

GOALKEEPER

Okeimute Odah, Warri Wolves

Odah did not have a good time last season when his former club, Sharks failed to meet up with their financial obligations. And at the end of last season, he left to join Warri Wolves where he has been tremendous between the sticks for them.

He is one reason Warri Wolves have suddenly turned into title contenders.

DEFENDERS

Abdulrazak Yahaya, Kaduna United

Yahaya may not be well know to League followers in Nigeria, but he is one full back who has a hand in the majority of the goals scored by his club in the first round.

He defends well and also joins in the attack.

Mutiu Adegoke, Shooting Stars

Adegoke has continued where he left off last season scoring beautiful free kicks, especially in home games at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.

Apart from his defensive duties, Shooting Stars rely heavily on him for goals from free kicks.

Musa Mustapha, Kano Pillars

If there is one player who knows how to break down attacks, it is Kano Pillars combative midfielder, Musa Mustapha.

He acts as the shield for the Pillars' back four and is also useful aerially.

Chinedu Effugh, Heartland

Effugh is the strong man of Heartland defence line. He is calm on the ball and uses his aerial power to great effect, especially during corner kicks.

MIDFIELDERS

Ike Thankgod, Warri Wolves

Ike is so well experienced that you have to be a strong player before you can face him in any match. Always confident on the ball and has scored one goal in the game against Shooting Stars in Warri.

Ike Thankgod, Warri Wolves

Yahaya Adamu, Kwara United

With seven goals for the Afonja Warriors, Adamu has become the leading light for Kwara United. He was previously with relegated Rising Stars, but has blossomed under coach Samson Unuanel.

Rabiu Ali, Kano Pillars

Without doubt, Rabiu Ali is one of the best midfielders in the Nigeria Professional Football League. Ali can shoot, he is good with free kicks and sneaks into attack to score vital goals.

FORWARDS

Isah Umoru Akor, Heartland

The former Prime attacker has scored eight goals for the Naze Millionaires in his first season in the elite division.

He has shown he is the type of striker who can justify the confidence reposed in him.

Dele Olorundare, Sunshine Stars

Olorundare was one of the highest goal scorers last season and in the first round has shot to the top of the scorer's chart with 11 goals.

The future of Sunshine Stars in the second round depends on him.

Dele Olorundare, Sunshine Stars

Oghenekaro Etebo, Warri Wolves

Last year, the nine-goal hero in the first round was an unknown player who plied his trade with Lord Honour FC, formerly Mowoe Babes in Warri.

But Warri Wolves officials saw the potential in him and have turned him into one of the top strikers to emerge this season and he is already challenging for the top scorers' award at the end of the season.

RESERVES

Suraj Oyeleso. Kwara United

Fred Okwara, Dolphins

Chinedu Udoji, Enyimba

Orji Kalu, Heartland

Bishop Onyeudo, Gombe United

Lord Ichull, ABS

Stephen Eze, Lobi Stars

Coach

Baba Ganaru

Did we leave out your favourite player? Tell us your thoughts in the comment section below or on Twitter.